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23
POLIOMYELITIS ("INFANTILE PARALYSIS").
In the past poliomyelitis has had a well marked seasonal
prevalence in the autumn.
The first case in 1949 was notified in April, and on page 24
I submit a summary, in tabular form, of the cases notified during
the year. In addition to the Leyton cases, notifications were
received in respect of four non-Leyton cases which were diagnosed
in hospital after admission there ; but these four extra-district
cases are notifiable in this district.
I addressed to all local medical practitioners information
regarding the outbreak in general and the Leyton cases in particular.
As there is no consensus of informed opinion with regard to the
source of infection and spread of poliomyelitis, I did not consider
it advisable to cause public alarm by suggesting the closure of such
places as schools, day nurseries, cinemas and other public gatherings,
public baths, etc. Nor, in consequence of the long waiting
list of children awaiting operation for removal of tonsils and
adenoids, have I endeavoured to interfere with the treatment for
which they have been waiting so long.
All notified cases, with the exception of one slight case, were
admitted to hospital for treatment, and arrangements made for
their subsequent supervision either as hospital out-patients or in
connection with the health authority's orthopaedic scheme.
One patient, a male aged 20 years suffering from acute polioencephalitis,
died in hospital a few hours after admission.
No case occurred of paralysis of respiratory muscles, necessitating
treatment in a special respirator ("Iron Lung ").